How does your garden grow?

A derelict site in Edmonton that has been transformed into a fun packed park for residents by Enfield Council, has just been opened by Cllr Chris Bond.

Angel Gardens was closed to the public for several years after it became derelict and a haven for fly tipping, but now the council is redeveloping the site as part of the development of the Meridian Water Scheme which aims to bring thousands of jobs and homes to the area.

The first part of new look site has been completed and includes: • An outdoor gym; • Sensory play area; • Younger children's play area; • A ‘free-running’ course; • ‘Container Play’ – the first of its kind in the UK; • New landscaping and tree planting.

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, Cllr Chris Bond, said: “We’ve listened to what residents said they wanted, and provided it for them.

“This space has always had the potential to be a brilliant community asset and its great news that we have managed to transform it from a dumping ground for rubbish into a fabulous area for the whole community to enjoy together.

“This new park will help bring residents together, create a stronger community and give people living nearby a leisure facility they can be proud of.”

Residents told the council they wanted a community space for growing fruit and vegetables, an outdoor gym and facilities for teenagers such as a ‘free-running’ course and, following the clearance of the site in 2013, work started to transform the area.

Work on the second stage has started to create a community garden for residents to work together and grow fruit and vegetables. The scheme is being developed with support from the Greater London Authority through its ‘Pocket Parks Programme’.

The latter phases of the project will involve the installation of a footpath and cycleway, more tree planting, the creation of a natural play area, a skateboard and BMX area and a space for art projects. These will be complete and the park fully open to the public by the end of 2015.